Children's Psychologist

COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Children and adolescents, just like adults, are susceptible to challenges with their mental health, yet are often less equipped to navigate these successfully. Integral to their ability to grow into well-rounded, happy and successful adults, providing children with the tools for emotional expression, coping mechanisms, and support is essential. 

While some children are more able to navigate life’s challenges with the help of their parents or carers, there are circumstances where specialised help from a psychologist experienced with children is recommended.   

Seeking out professional support can guide both children and parents through concerns related to:  

- Behavioural issues

- Bullying

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Phobias

- Parental separation (divorce)

- Self-esteem issues

- Gender dysphoria 

- Sexuality 

- Poor academic performance 

- Trauma

- Abuse

- Family relationships 

- Friendships and more.

Whether you are experiencing difficulties communicating with your child or can see that they are struggling, engaging a psychologist experienced with children gives your child the best chance to thrive. Understanding in depth how children develop and how best to approach, treat and guide them through different issues at different ages, they are best placed to assist. 

By providing your child with a safe, supportive and understanding environment in which to explore their feelings and relationships, you are contributing to their positive emotional development and a deeper understanding of themselves. 

Often instrumental to maintaining better mental health throughout their lifetimes, ensuring your child receives counselling early on can help them overcome difficulty and enjoy greater happiness and connection with others long-term.  

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM PORT PHILLIP PSYCHOLOGY

At Port Phillip Psychology, our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience, with support available for children from four years up to university age.

Offering compassionate, genuine care tailored to the needs of your child and family, our child friendly psychologists in Melbourne are dedicated to helping children through a variety of challenges. Our goal is to see every child happy, confident and equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in life.   

Adapting our approach to suit the unique needs and personality of your child, we work to build a trusting, honest relationship with them where they can feel safe and encouraged. In developing a treatment plan, we consider your culture, religious beliefs, family composition and your child or adolescent’s strengths. 

Using this, we set goals with children and their families and provide guidance towards achieving them, regularly reviewing and modifying our approach as needed.  

Happy to incorporate family counselling as a component of therapy, our kid focused psychologists approach every session without judgement and remain focused on gentle, constructive and caring communication.  

GET IN TOUCH

In Chelsea and St Kilda or
via Video or Phone
(03) 8774 2150

EMAIL : help@portphillippsychology.com.au

Port Phillip Psychology Supporting Happier, Thriving Children & Adolescents

At Port Phillip Psychology, we know that finding the best help for your loved one is paramount. Confidently providing personalised, genuine and supportive care from a team of both male and female psychologists, our practice is backed by years of combined experience.

Trusted and experienced psychologists for children in Melbourne’s Bayside areas of Chelsea and St Kilda, we offer face-to-face sessions or can consult via telephone or video call if preferred. Ensuring you can access help around your family's schedule, we also offer daytime, evening and Saturday booking times.

Give your child the gift of help and understanding with the professional guidance available from our caring psychologists. Contact Port Phillip Psychology today.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The extent of your involvement with your child’s therapy can depend on a few factors, including their age and the issue. However, it is beneficial to clarify this with your child’s psychologist early on so that everyone is on the same page. This ensures you can best aid in your child’s progress through counselling and provide an appropriate level of support.

  • While kids are often guaranteed to be nervous about therapy at first, if they have some understanding of what to expect, it can make them more comfortable with the idea of counselling. 

    To help ease your child’s mind we recommend using reassuring, positive and age-appropriate language. Acknowledge the purpose of the therapy, but avoid going into too much detail as this may cause distress. It can also be helpful to organise something fun post-session to encourage good associations.

  • Every child and situation is unique, where some kids may be slow to make progress others may show rapid improvement -  neither of these situations indicates concern and is entirely normal. Your psychologist will keep you updated on progress and next steps throughout your time with us.